The Cancer Support Community (CSC) of South Bay hosted its 26th Annual Celebrate Wellness recognition and fundraising event at the South Coast Botanic Garden (Garden). Honorees and guests sampled a variety of foods from local restaurants, wine tasting from a variety of vintners and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Being a non-profit organization that provides no cost therapeutic and support services along with other activities to cancer patients and their families and friends, the fundraising portion of the evening provides a substantial portion of their funding needed to carry out their mission throughout the year. Among the items included in the live and silent auctions were an evening in an LA Lakers luxury suite, excursions on the infamous Goodyear Blimp, a five-day vacation in a private villa in Puerto Vallarta, and a two-night stay at Chateau Robles in Paso Robles.

This year, CSC South Bay’s Executive Director/CEO (ED/CEO), Jillian Van Leuven, and the CSC Board of Directors honored Diane and Kyle Kazan. Also, the CSC South Bay presented Ruth Schriebman, PsyD*, LMFT**, and Stephen Lottenberg, PsyD*, MD with their 25-year Service Award.

*CSC Board President, Kelli Vieweg, and CSC ED/CEO, Jillian Van Leuven*

As far as the reasons for recognizing the Kazan’s, Van Leuven states, “As cancer survivors and former CSC participants, they have continued to be true ambassadors in sharing their experiences and raising awareness of the CSC South Bay. Their generous support over the years has been instrumental in the growth and enrichment of our programs and services!”

*CSC ED/CEO, Jillian Van Leuven, and Kyle Kazan, Distinguished Honoree*

Van Leuven acknowledges, “Lottenberg’s and Schriebman’s long-standing commitment has been a lifeline and continual source of strength to our participants. The infinite guidance they have provided has positively impacted the lives of thousands of cancer patients in our community. We are deeply thankful for their contributions. We congratulate them for the incredible 25 years of service!”

*Dr. Steve Lottenberg, Honoree, Nancy Lomibao, Program Director, ED/CEO Jilliam Van Leuven, and Dr. Ruth Schriebman, Honoree*

Among the many programs the CSC South Bay provides at no-cost are support groups and services for individuals, couples, families, and loved ones. Recurring support groups include Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer patients, Breast Cancer patients, Patients with Other Forms of Cancer, Family/Partners of Cancer Patients, and Women Diagnosed with Other Forms of Cancer.

*CSC Development Director, Jackie Suiter, ED/CEO Jillian Van Leuven, and Goli Eslami, Event and Volunteer Manager*

Networking groups provide opportunities for individuals to share their experiences with individuals diagnosed with similar conditions and include: Blood Cancers, Colo-Rectal Cancers, Gynecological Cancers, Lung Cancer, Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Sarcoma Cancer, and Thyroid Cancer. Other networking groups include Lymphedema, Living well with Metastatic Breast Cancer, Spousal Bereavement, and Young Cancer Survivorship.

*Joanne and CSC Board Member, Jim Hunter*

Yoga, Tai Chi, and Guided Meditation are among the 200 “Healthy Lifestyle” sessions that the CSC South Bay provides on monthly basis to cancer patients and their loved ones. The Kids Community provides a small supportive group setting for children from 5 years of age to 12 years of age.

Van Leuven points out, “Cancer patients, family members, and friends come to us thinking that they are alone on their cancer journey. Shortly after becoming involved in therapies, network meetings, and other activities, they realize they are not alone and often develop deep connections with others who are enduring life with cancer.”

As far as limitations to participating in therapeutic services and other activities at CSC, Van Leuven stresses, “There is no set timeline for any participant. They participate in our therapies and activities as long as they feel necessary. We want each of our participants to know, we are here for them as long as they need us.”

What to learn more about the CSC South Bay: telephone (310) 376-3550 or visit their website at www.cscsouthbay.org.

*Jacky Glass, Event Sponsor and CSC South Supporter with ED/CEO Jillian Van Leuven*

* Doctoral degree designating a psychologist trained for clinical work in a wide range of settings.

** Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Steve Tabor

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.

Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com